The report states that clean energy growth is set to continue, as its authors estimate global markets for wind, solar and biofuel will almost double in total value to US$426.1 billion by 2022, up from last year’s total of US$248.7 billion.

Technology for micro-hybrid vehicles will improve, further driving fuel savings

Distributed solar financing from consumers will begin to mature

Increase in geothermal power, especially in the US

‘Biomimicry’ technology will be adapted for clean energy

Ron Pernick, co-founder and managing director, Clean Edge, said: "2012 was a year of extreme uncertainty for clean energy markets. […] But a key lesson emerged from last year - the focus for investors and industry for the near- to mid-term will be on deployment."

Damian Ryan, Senior Policy Manager, The Climate Group said: “This report adds to the growing weight of evidence that clean technology and investment in it is now firmly mainstream. But it would be wrong to assume that just because costs continue to decline that large scale deployment of clean energy technologies will occur on their own. Governments still need to ensure the right investment environments are created, for example, by pricing carbon and setting clear targets for renewable energy. These measures provide the certainty and incentives that are needed to drive transformational rather than incremental change in our energy systems”.